All About Zane (Travis County Legal Book 1)

by Avery J. Moon

  I didn’t look inside before doing so. I’d learned the hard way. Maybe in a year or two, I’d be at a point where I could go through Becca’s stuff and sort out what to keep and what to give away. But not yet.

  Zane brought his tablet and sat down on the floor beside me. I couldn’t help but notice that he was looking rather sad too. He must have figured out that cleaning Mom’s room meant she was never coming home.

  I wished I knew the words to say to ease his mind. But the simple truth was, there were no words capable of doing that. Something precious had been taken from us, and it was only natural for us to grieve over our loss.

  Taking a deep breath, I realized some of Becca’s scent had attached itself to my shirt. Past the initial shock of the scent, it wasn’t so bad, but it didn’t make the pain go away any faster either. Wondering if it was affecting Zane the same way it was me, I decided to play it safe and go change shirts. We were a few boxes ahead, so I could spare a couple of minutes.

  “Hey, Z-Man,” I said, reaching down to touch his feather soft hair. “Want to help me pick out a tee shirt to wear?” Ever since he had learned to read, I’d toned my tee shirt collection down a bit. Some of them were still a bit on the suggestive side, but they still went right over Zane’s head, so that was okay. But he loved the funny ones, which meant I had a ton of them hanging in my closet.

  Christmas, birthdays, any type of special occasion like a new book release or hitting a milestone, meant he and Becca went shopping for a new shirt for me. I probably owned two hundred tee shirts, and I’m guessing that one hundred and ninety-nine were funny ones. Before I left for that fateful training trip, it had been our morning ritual for him to pick out the shirt I would wear for the day.

  He took his time, riffling through the shirts, before settling on one that pictured a Corgi dog dressed up as Thor. It was titled Thor-gi. I noticed his thoughtful face as he handed me the shirt.

  “You think maybe we could get a dog?”

  I grinned at him. “You mean a Thor-gi?”

  He shrugged but didn’t laugh, keeping his serious face. “Maybe. But I was kind of thinking maybe we should get a bigger dog. Something that could protect you when I’m not home.”

  My heart tweaked. Oh.

  I sat down on the bed and patted the space beside me. He climbed up and sat so close that his little hip touched mine. Throwing one arm around him, I pulled him in even closer.

  “You do remember I’m a Navy Seal, right? That’s a pretty bad-ass thing you know.”

  He nodded, but wouldn’t meet my eyes. Instead, I saw them drift to the cane I had propped against the night stand.

  Yeah. There was that.

  “A dog, huh?”

  “A big one, right?” He seemed to not be willing to give up on that one.

  “You know the trouble with dogs, don’t you? They start out as hyper-energetic puppies that have to be taken for walks and played with, and they bite and chew on everything—people included.”

  Zane chewed on his bottom lip, obviously deep in thought. I waited him out.

  “We wouldn’t have to get a puppy,” he said. “We could get one that was already grown up.”

  Yes, but that came with its own set of problems. Like the kind of home or master it had before us. But how do you explain that to a five-year-old? To them, all dogs are nice if you treat them nice. They don’t know that’s because we control the dogs they come into contact with.

  “Tell you what. I’ll think about it,” I said. “If we can find a good dog past the biting, chasing puppy stage, then maybe—just maybe—we can think about getting a dog.”

  “Really?” Zane perked up. “I’ll bet the dog pound has lots of good dogs to choose from.”

  Oh, Lord. Like it or not, it looked like we were going to be getting a dog. But that didn’t stop me from trying one last thing.

  “You do know I carry mace when I’m out, right? And that cane there can make a pretty good weapon, too, if I needed one.”

  “Uh-huh,” he nodded, agreeing with me. “And our dog will chase off all the bad guys before they can take you away. You can be a... team. Kind of like your old Seal team.”

  I sighed. “We’ll hit the pound this weekend and see what they have. But,” and I waited until he raised his eyes to lock with mine. “We only get a dog if he’s absolutely perfect for us. We can’t just settle on a dog, it has to be the right one. Deal?”

  Zane nodded eagerly. “Deal.” Then he jumped off the bed and ran down the short hall, yelling, “Hey, Molly, guess what? We’re getting a dog!”

  I held my breath. I’d forgotten we had a new housemate. What if Molly didn’t like dogs?

  “Cool, Zane. Can I come with you to pick him out?” I let my breath out.

  “Sure, he’ll be your dog, too, since you live with us now.”

  I smiled. A dog surely wasn’t such a big price to pay for the boy’s peace of mind. And it would be safer to have a watch dog to alert them of trouble before it happened. Here was hoping they found a good match fast. Zane wouldn’t wait long.

  My mind was thinking of all the dog breeds I’d consider for a permanent house-mate as I slipped off my old shirt and on my new one. Shepard maybe? I’d also heard great things about Labs and Golden Retrievers. I wasn’t so sure about Dobermans or Rottweilers. To be honest, their big dark shapes scared the dickens out of me. But the other three... sure, I guess I could handle the thought of one of those.

  Truthfully, now that I thought about it, getting a dog might not be such a very bad thing at all.

  I stood up and reached for my cane, ready to join the others.

  “Really?” Josh stood in the doorway, grinning at me. “A dog? How did that happen?”

  I shrugged. “He wants something here to protect me while he’s away at school. How could I say no to that?”

  Josh laughed and shook his head. “It’s good to have the old Zane back.”

  He was right. The first couple of nights back home Zane had seemed like a bit of a stranger. But once he realized that Michael wasn’t going to come and take him away, he started becoming more... himself again. He still wasn’t quite there, hesitating before doing just about anything, as though he wasn’t quite sure if it would get him into trouble. But he was getting there.

  And Michael wasn’t ever getting his hands on Zane again. No matter what the court said in six months.

  It just wasn’t going to happen.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN: Becca's Clue (Colin)

  The next morning I awoke with a strong man’s arm around my waist. It felt good, and I snuggled back into the warm body behind me. When I started thinking about Gabe, it didn’t take long for the guilt to find me.

  The night hadn’t gone the way Josh had hoped. In the end, I just couldn’t go through with it. He spent the evening in my bed, and yes we cuddled, but nothing beyond that. He was nice about it, which of course made me feel even worse.

  But surprisingly, even the guilt didn’t stop me from thinking that today was going to matter. It was the best I’d felt in six months. Getting out of bed was even easier. In fact, I managed to get up and get my shower in before Josh’s alarm went off.

  He raised up on one elbow and slapped the alarm then turned to my side of the bed. He did a quick double take before looking around to see me standing bare chested in socks and blue jeans.

  “Get up, sleepy head,” I said, smiling. “I’m going to go start breakfast. How does pancakes sound?”

  He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and looked at me again with a slow smile spreading over his face. “Looks like a night of snuggles was just what the doctor ordered. Maybe tonight we can up the dosage?”

  My smile faltered and I shook my head. “Give me a little more time, okay?” I hated making him think that the time was for my healing body, when really it was to figure out how to end things without him hating me for it. I really did like him. Even with my somewhat gloomy sudden thoughts of the imminent breakup, I managed to keep the smile on my fa
ce.

  “I’ll save some batter for when you finish your workout.” I turned and started to walk out.

  “Hey, Colin, could I ask you just one more thing?” He waited until I turned around, one eyebrow raised at him. “Why aren’t you wearing a shirt?”

  I shrugged. “Zane’s pick.” And I left to go wake up my little boy.

  Today’s shirt was once again dog-inspired. I was beginning to think my little Z-Man was afraid I’d welsh on our deal. This one sported a German Shepard wearing sunglasses and declaring that he was bad to the bone.

  After donning the offered shirt, we went down to the kitchen and started making flap jacks. They were always Zane’s favorite. His eyes lit up when he saw me take a small package of blueberries out of the fridge.

  “With chocolate chips, too?” His little voice had a hopeful ring to it.

  Opening the cabinet over the sink, I pulled out a hidden bag of white chocolate chips and shook the bag at him. “Now, would I skimp out on you?”

  He clapped his hands and went to get the big bowl that we used for the batter and a wooden spoon out of their designated spots. Zane was a champion stirrer, and we made short work of mixing the ingredients and getting the first batch on the hot griddle. That part I handled while Zane got out plates and forks and put them on the table.

  Within a few minutes, we had a respectable pile of pancakes on a platter in the middle of the table. I stuck the syrup in the microwave for a few seconds and then put it beside the platter along with a small can of whipped cream.

  “Who could work out with all these delicious smells? I’m gaining calories just smelling this.” Josh walked in the kitchen, taking an exploratory sniff. “Is that chocolate?” He gave me an odd look. I’d forgotten he hadn’t had our style of pancakes before.

  “And blueberries, too,” Zane said. “They’re really good. Uncle Colin uses syrup on them, but I eat ‘em with cream.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “I forgot you weren’t up to speed on our definition of pancakes. I hope they’re okay with you. If not, I can fry up some bacon and eggs for you in a jiffy.”

  “Miss out on this culinary masterpiece of a creation? You think I’m nuts?” And to his word, he matched Zane pancake for pancake. You wouldn’t think that was a big deal, but you’d be wrong. My little Z-Man could put those puppies away.

  Did I just think of puppies? Zane’s strategy must be working.

  After Josh and Zane left, I got out the phone book. I should have started with a call to Gabe, as this may be territory he was covering as well, but finally decided that I’d rather ask for forgiveness than permission.

  Then I began to call each auto garage in the area to inquire if anyone changed out a tail light assembly from a Cadillac Seville about six months ago. I really hoped he had the repair done locally, rather than out of state somewhere.

  The thirteenth call was the lucky one. The mechanic on the phone almost sounded like he’d been expecting a call about it, although he didn’t seem thrilled about it. He didn’t even have to check his records. He remembered immediately.

  If I’d been a cartoon type superhero, my senses would be careening around the room right now. Not wanting to discuss too much over the phone, I told him I’d be there in an hour.

  Now I did have to call Gabe.

  He answered on the first ring. “I really hope you aren’t calling already to see if we have anything. It’s way too soon.”

  “And a good morning to you, too, Sheriff,” I said. I could hear the excitement bounce in my voice. “Actually, I was calling to give you my lead of the morning. That is, assuming you let me ride along for the follow-up.”

  There was silence on the line for so long that I had begun to think we were cut off.

  “Sheriff?”

  “I’m here.” He didn’t sound happy. Funny, I was thrilled with the lead. “What have you come up with?”

  Now I was nervous. I had hoped he’d appreciate my help, but it sure didn’t sound like it.

  “Well, I decided to call around the local shops for anyone who might have replaced that broken tail light. I’m hoping the mechanic will remember something that can help us tie it to Becca.”

  Another pause. “I take it you found them? You do realize I was going to make those calls this morning, too, don’t you? I promise you I am really good at my job, not just a figurehead.”

  My good mood ratcheted down a couple of notches. “I know you’re good, Gabe. I was only trying to help. You’ve got more on your plate right now then just working on a six-month-old case. And I’ve got nothing but time.”

  “Look, I’m sorry,” he sounded gruff. “I’ll let you ride along on this one, but then you need to lay back and let us handle it, okay? Should I pick you up at your house, or do you want to meet there?”

  I hesitated. No way was I going to lay off this until my sister was home. And yes, I knew that just meant putting her body to rest in the family burial plot, but still it was what she deserved. She deserved justice too. And I was damn sure going to keep pushing until I got it for her. Gabe or no Gabe. After all, where had this case gone up until now?

  “I’ll meet you there.” My tone was probably short, but I couldn’t help it. I gave him the name and address of the shop and hung up.

  Ralph, of Ralph’s Body Shop, was waiting for us when we got there. We followed him into his small office inside.

  My impression over the phone had been right. Ralph didn’t seem surprised to see us, but he didn’t look happy about it either. He took the Sheriff’s presence without a single question.

  Once we were all seated in his office with the door closed, he looked Gabe in the eyes. “I know I should have called you when this happened. Something about the whole thing just didn’t ring true.”

  Gabe nodded but gave the man a slow smile. “When in doubt, calling us in is always the thing to do. But I’m here now, so why don’t we start by you just telling us, in your own words, everything you can remember about who brought that Caddy in and what they told you.”

  Ralph swallowed and picked up a small letter opener on his desk and started twirling it between his fingers. “It was Mike Lawson what brought her in.” He threw a quick glance at me and then back down to the dancing silver. “He said he broke it out while trying to get his golf clubs out of the trunk. Offered me extra to get it done in a hurry.”

  He paused, but I followed Gabe’s lead and didn’t say a word. Eventually, he continued.

  “When I saw the red on the glass, I questioned him. He said he had tried to change it out himself but had cut himself on the glass and given up.” The silver stopped and Ralph’s eyes met Gabe’s again. “Thing is, Sheriff, there was a lot of blood pooled up in that assembly I took out, and I never saw a scratch on him.”

  Gabe sighed. “That blood could have been the key to solving a very important case. You should have called us right then and there. Why didn’t you?”

  Ralph looked away, color starting to rise in his cheeks. “Mr. Lawson’s bank holds the note on this place, and I was behind at the time. I knew if I didn’t help him out, they’d call in the loan. He didn’t say it, but I knew.”

  He knew right. That was exactly what my jerk of a step brother would have done. Bullies never change, they just get older and sometimes more powerful.

  “But I did save the assembly. On all those television shows, they can use blood that’s way old. Would it still work now?” He looked like he really wanted Gabe to say yes.

  Hell, so did I. Both sets of eyes were on the sheriff, waiting.

  “I’m sure the lab can get the DNA sample they need.”

  When Ralph got up to retrieve the bloodied part, Gabe’s eyes met mine. “It’d work best if they had a sample to match. You think you can provide one?”

  I nodded. It might take going through a couple of boxes, but I knew I could come up with something.

  Ralph returned with the part and we stood to leave.

  “I’d appreciate it if you woul
dn’t mention our visit or anything about this to anyone else,” Gabe said.

  The mechanic shook his head. “I won’t, Sheriff, you have my word. I’m just glad to have this off my head. It’s been bothering me something fierce this whole time.”

  Gabe walked out, but I stayed behind for a minute. “How much is that note on this place?”

  “I’ve been working extra hours trying to pay it off quicker, I don’t want to be beholden to him any longer.”

  “I can understand that. How much is left to pay?”

  “I’ve got it down to ten thousand.” His voice was low and slow. “But it might as well be a million if the bank calls it in.”

  I took out one of my business cards, and yes even self-published authors have them, and gave it to him. “If they do, call me. We can work out a personal man-to-man loan to see you through.”

  Ralph looked at me, startled. “Why would you do that?”

  My smile faded. “Because good men shouldn’t have to compromise their ethics because of bullies in high positions. And because it’s the right thing to do.”

  “I’m good for it, I swear.”

  I held out my hand, and we shook on it. That was good enough for both of us.

  Gabe was waiting for me outside when I came out. He looked like a man with something on his mind.

  Unwilling to get into the whole ‘laying off’ conversation, I decided to change the subject before it was even broached.

  “You’ll never believe what Zane got me to agree to last night,” I said, leaning on the trunk of my car. “He asked for a dog. Want to know why?”

  “Why?”

  “So I would have someone to protect me while he’s at school.” If I’d expected a laugh, I’d have been disappointed.

  Instead, it got a nod. “Not a bad idea,” he said. “But you’d need an older dog, not a pup.”

  “Yeah, we had that conversation, too, and he’s good with it. You wouldn’t happen to know of anyone with a large, house trained dog for sale, would you?”

  Gabe chewed at the inside of his cheek. He seemed to be debating something. Finally, he answered. “Actually, I just might know the perfect dog for your situation. That is if a Shepard would work for you.”